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Putnam is accused of stealing $30,000 guns and drugs from the evidence lockers here at the Simpsonville Police Department.

In court Tuesday, his lawyer asked for a lower bond after telling a judge that Putnam is being threatened in jail.

“His incarceration is much worse than anyone else's because of 24-7 lights on isolation, not specifically based on anything he did in the jail, but based upon what he did for a living prior to this charge,” attorney Brian Butler said.

Putnam is being held at the Oldham County jail in 24-hour isolation, where his lawyer said he's being threatened because he's a cop.

“He's advised me he's already had three credible threats made by inmates in that jail,” Butler said.

Putnam's bond was set and remains at $50,000 cash or $100,000 in property.

In court, the prosecuting attorney said Putnam should have known better.

“But a person who has been acting as a police officer for as many years as Mr. Butler has stated to the court, surely he should have taken that into consideration when he chose to steal from the evidence room,” Commonwealth’s Attorney Laura Witt said.

Putnam was arrested last week, charged with stealing $30,000 cash, guns and drugs from his own police department in November.

“He has known about this investigation since Nov. 6, when he was questioned about it. So he certainly, at that point in time, if he intended to flee, certainly he had the opportunity to flee. He did not,” Butler said.

The Simpsonville police chief did not return WLKY reporter Emily Maher’s calls Tuesday. A representative at the police department said all questions must go through Kentucky State Police.

Putnam's lawyer said via email -- after Tuesday's court appearance, he met with state police to go over information in the case.